01
der Unfug
nonsense / mischief
Pointless, foolish, or disruptive behavior that is usually harmless but can cause trouble; nonsense or pranks.
example
Hört auf mit dem Unfug und macht eure Hausaufgaben!
Stop this nonsense and do your homework!
der Unfug
nonsense / mischief
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of the prefix 'Un-' and the old word 'Fug'. The prefix 'Un-' expresses something negative or wrong here. 'Fug' used to mean 'that which is fitting or right'. So 'Unfug' is literally something inappropriate or wrong.
EXAMPLE
Was ihr da macht, ist wirklich Unfug.
What you're doing there is really nonsense.
No plural
'Unfug' is an uncountable noun and is almost always used without an article and only in the singular. You cannot say 'ein Unfug' or 'viele Unfüge'.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder haben im Garten nur Unfug im Kopf.
The children have nothing but mischief on their minds in the garden.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Unfug' are 'Unfug machen' (to make mischief / talk nonsense) or 'Unfug treiben' (to get up to mischief). A typical command to stop is: 'Hör auf mit dem Unfug!' (Stop this nonsense!)
EXAMPLE
Die Schüler trieben während der Pause Unfug im Klassenzimmer.
The students got up to mischief in the classroom during the break.
Compare with
Unfug vs Quatsch
nonsense
'der Quatsch' and 'der Unfug' both have to do with nonsense. 'Quatsch' can be a false or stupid statement, but also silly behavior. 'Unfug' especially means pointless or disruptive behavior, often pranks or things that can cause trouble. That is why the words can be confused when children, friends, or colleagues are being silly. When it is about a statement, 'Quatsch' is usually more natural. When someone does something foolish or disruptive, 'Unfug' fits better.
Unfug
Im Zug machen die Kinder Unfug und verstecken die Fahrkarten ihrer Eltern.
On the train, the children are making mischief and hiding their parents' tickets.
Quatsch
Mein Nachbar hat erzählt, dass morgen alle Busse ausfallen, aber das ist Quatsch.
My neighbor said that all buses are canceled tomorrow, but that's nonsense.
In real life
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